Members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently participated in various interfaith events around the world — from dinners and programs to meetings with leaders of other religions. See some of these examples below.
Mongolia
“Our cooperation, unity, and mutual acceptance are important for solving the problems facing the society,” said the head of the Eastern Khuree Dashchoilin monastery, Abbot Lama Ch. Dambajav, who attended an interfaith dinner organized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As part of the 30th anniversary of the Church’s presence in Mongolia, Latter-day Saint leaders successfully organized a dinner for representatives of major religious organizations in Mongolia on Dec. 12, 2023, reported Mongolia Church Newsroom.
In attendance were representatives from Mongolian churches and monasteries such as Eastern Khuree Dashchoilin Monastery, Vatican Mission, Mongolian Shaman United Union, Oomoto Mongolian Shinto Center, Hindu, Mongolian Adventist Church, Judaism, Mongolian Evangelical Alliance and Muslim Association, among others.
The event focused on evaluating the results of inter-religious efforts of the past two years and discussing future works.
Kajiado County, Kenya
On Jan. 17, the Church’s Africa Newsroom reported the delivery of scriptures to county leaders in Kajiado County, Kenya, by Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Africa Central Area presidency.
Elder Mutombo became acquainted with the deputy commissioner of the Kajiado North District in Ngong Town and the commissioner of Kajiado County because the Church’s program, Trees for Food, launched in that area in November 2023. Elder Mutombo promised the deputy and county commissioner when they first met that he would return and bring them a copy of the King James Bible and a companion volume of scripture.
In December 2023, Deputy Commissioner James Taari Rwaria and County Commissioner Jude Wesonga were the graceful recipients of King James Versions of the Bible along with copies of the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants. Elder Mutombo shared with both men individually his testimony of the Bible and of modern scripture, pointing to the promise to readers of the Book of Mormon found in the book’s introduction. He then shared some favorite scriptures from the sacred texts.
Wales
In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Interfaith Council for Wales on Nov. 16, 2023, more than 200 people gathered in the Cardiff Wales Stake Center for a celebratory program in which musical contributions were at the heart.
Led by choir director Natalie Davies, the Interfaith Choir began the evening with a Peace Prayer Mandala integrating chants from various faith traditions. They represented the Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Muslim, Native/Pagan/Pantheistic traditions.
The event, reported by the Church’s UK Newsroom, also included messages of unity and peace by Dr. Rowan Williams, former archbishop of Canterbury; Jeremy Miles, minister for Education and the Welsh Language; Jane Hutt, minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip; and Julie Morgan, deputy minister for Social Services.
Kate McColgan, a member of the Cardiff stake and the chair of the Interfaith Council for Wales, expressed joy at the sight of so many people of differing faiths, cultures and backgrounds appreciating each other’s company.
Said McColgan, “There is such a richness in diversity and my involvement with the interfaith community has blessed my life immensely. Whilst there is still so much more to be done to bring whole communities together, what it demonstrates to me is that the majority of people want to live in peace and harmony with their neighbors.”
Manila and Rizal, Philippines
To further the interfaith efforts of the Church, the Philippines Area presidency met with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the Synod, at Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila on Jan. 23, 2024, reported Philippines Newsroom.
Elder Steven R. Bangerter, General Authority Seventy and president of the Philippines Area, along with his counselors, Elder Yoon Hwan Choi and Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., both General Authority Seventies, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to “join in the humanity of our effort.” They testified of Jesus Christ and spoke of the joy found in counseling with others who aim to bless the lives of the poor and needy, not just physically but spiritually as well.
After the meeting, Elder Bangerter, Elder Choi and Elder Revillo presented a Christus statue to Cardinal Grech, who came to the Philippines for a pastoral visit, as a token of friendship, peace and solidarity.
With the goal of realizing all are brothers and sisters under one Creator, the Church organized and sponsored a one-day Peace Camp in Rizal on Feb. 3.
More than 100 youth from various faiths participated in meet-and-greet and team-building activities to celebrate the 2024 World Interfaith Harmony Week, reported Philippines Newsroom.
Apart from those from the Church of Jesus Christ, the youth delegates who attended were sent from the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, Fo Guang Shan, Holy Apostles Senior Seminary (HASS), and Iglesia Filipina Independiente, among others.
“It’s a privilege to be with these youth that bring with them the message of compassion and love to oneself so that we may make this world a better place to live in,” said Anthony John Balledos, the Associate Director for Public Affairs of the Church in the Philippines.
Freiburg, Germany
On Oct. 12, 2023, students from Slovenia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Tanzania, China and Greece gathered to learn about the doctrines and teachings of the Church from guest lecturer Olivia Moore.
For the second time, a representative of the Church took part in the inter-religious conference at Robert Bosch College in Freiburg, Germany, reported Germany Newsroom. In addition to Moore, representatives from Judaism, Islam and other Christian churches presented teaching about their faith and encouraged students to “think outside the box.”
Following the presentation, a lunch was held where students had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions.
“The students were very respectful and engaging and asked really good questions. We had great discussions and they left the talk more knowledgeable about the Church and our faith,” Moore reported.
